Hyperthyroidism Symptoms in Men

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine 12. Merck Manuals, an online medical library, reports that hyperthyroidism most commonly affects women after childbirth or menopause, but hyperthyroidism can affect men as well 12.

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine 12. Merck Manuals, an online medical library, reports that hyperthyroidism most commonly affects women after childbirth or menopause, but hyperthyroidism can affect men as well 12. Hyperthyroidism may also be caused by an autoimmune disease called Graves' disease, thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid), or exposure to certain toxic chemicals or radiation 12.

Common Symptoms

MedlinePlus, an online medical encyclopedia provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, reports that there are multiple common symptoms of hyperthyroidism in men 12. These symptoms include:

• fatigue
  
• changes in appetite
  
• increased sweating
  
• restlessness
  
• intolerance of heat
  
• difficulty concentrating,
  
• weight loss

Another common symptom of hyperthyroidism is the development of a goiter, which is a swelling a the base of the neck due to an enlarged thyroid 12. According to Merck Manuals, the whole thyroid may be enlarged, or parts of it may be enlarged, forming hard protruding nodules 1.

Less Common Symptoms

There also may be changes in heartbeat. The heart rate may become faster or irregular, and may feel particularly forceful or pounding. Blood pressure may also increase.

A common cause of hyperthyroidism, as mentioned above, is an autoimmune disease called Graves' disease 12. In Graves' disease, the immune system attacks and stimulates the thyroid, causing it to produce too much thyroxine. A sign that Grave's disease may be the cause of hyperthyroidism is the development of symptoms that affect the eyes 12. These symptoms include, according to Merck Manuals, puffiness around the eyes; protruding/bulging eyes; excessive eye irritation; an overproduction of tears 1.

Gynecomastia

According to MedlinePlus, one symptom of hyperthyroidism that affects only men is the abnormal development of breasts, which is technically called gynecomastia 123. The Mayo Clinic reports that gynecomastia is characterized by swelling of the breast tissue 3. In and of itself, gynecomastia is not a serious physical problem, though may be difficult for men to deal with. Following treatment with medication to reduce the body's thyroxine levels, the breast enlargement in men is usually reversed.